Lot 101:
Description
A collection of postcard albums and loose ephemera, primarily featuring British topography and vintage advertising reproductions. The topographical section focuses on South West England, particularly Plymouth, Devon, and Dartmoor. Subject matter includes scenes of the Barbican, South Devon Harbours, and multiple series showing Burrator Reservoir and the village of Sheepstor in black and white, sepia, and colour-tinted views. Notable prints include Plymouth Barbican scenes after Sue Harding.
The advertising section comprises reproduction postcards of vintage advertisements for brands including Rowntree’s Gums, Golden Shred, Oxo, Heinz Baked Beans, The Motor Cycle, and BSA Sunbeam, alongside early continental automotive brands such as De Dion-Bouton, Boyer, and Motocyclette Rochet. The lot also includes early 20th-century humorous cards, birthday greetings, a modern photo pouch, and a document from the City of Plymouth regarding a 1990 waterworks survey.
Accompanying the paper items is a circular white metal commemorative medallion housed in a black slip. The reverse is inscribed BURRATOR RESERVOIR CAPACITY 650,000,000 GALLONS and COMMENCED 9TH AUGUST 1893. Visible postcard publishers include Chapman & Son of Dawlish and Flormond Metereau. Handwritten annotations throughout the albums provide descriptive context for specific views and dates, including 1904, 1907, and 1926.
Condition report:
The collection is a mix of period ephemera and modern reproductions. The five albums, comprising four maroon textured vinyl binders and one black binder titled ALBUM, show light shelf wear but remain generally intact (photo 21). Period postcards exhibit typical signs of age including minor corner bumping, light foxing, and some oxidation to the edges; several are postally used with visible stamps and cancellations (photo 18). Reproduction cards appear to be in as-new condition. The white metal medallion shows surface oxidation and tarnishing consistent with its age (photo 12). The document shows light yellowing to the edges (photo 1).
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